“STEAM+ Arts Integration is the future of education. It’s a proven, more holistic approach to both enticing and educating students and preparing them for the workforce of the future,” Cofield contends.

Margaret Sergent, Second Vice President of the RTA union, provided opening remarks, including a statement about her previous participation in a J Rêve International global Arts & Culture program in Paris, France, 2016. Dr. Sue Lane, Elementary Art & STEAM teacher at Clyde-Savannah Central School District gave closing remarks, sharing examples from the STEAM program she leads in the CSCS District.

Cofield’s presentation includes examples from the anthology she co-authored on the subject, STEAM+ Arts Integration. She has been featured speaker across the nation in cities including Dallas, Queens, NY, Pittsburgh, Washington, DC, among others. The book has received favorable feedback from educators who attended the July conference. “It is an excellent intro to STEAM+ with research, case studies, and strategies,” says Susan Bardenhagen Region IV Director of Virginia Association of Science Teachers.

J Rêve International aims to foster collaboration between interdisciplinary artists, programmers, policy makers and educators on issues relating to development, learning and the implementation of STEAM (STEM+Arts) and arts education. Dedicated to engaging students in STEAM+,J Rêve International has impacted more than 40,000 people in 10 countries including Cuba, Mozambique, Haiti, India, Burkina Faso, France, Dubai and US. They’ve enjoyed a strong relationship with 1000 educators, 50 community partners and schools, 85% k-12 teachers, 15% school administrators, museums and art studios & galleries and supported them since incorporation.